Which mellow classic mellow band keeps you rocking?
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Beach BoysThe Beach Boys are a beloved American band from California and considered the face of the “California sound” and “surf music”, reflecting the southern California lifestyle of cars, surfing and romance. The original lineup contained brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, cousin Mike Love and Al Jardine. Their first big hit was in 1963 with “Surfin’ USA” followed by a series of top ten hits, including “Surfin’ Safari”, “I Get Around”, “Fun, Fun, Fun”, “Help Me Rhonda” and “California Girls”. While they survived and thrived during the British Invasion of the mid 1960’s, they saw their popularity falter later in the decade.
Starting in 1965, they abandoned the California sound and beach themes for more lyrical and complex themes. In 1966, they released the ambitious and innovative Pet Sounds album, considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time, named as #2 on Rolling Stone’s list of 500 greatest albums. Orchestrated by Brian Wilson, Pet Sounds was complex and utilized advanced studio techniques. It garnered several of their most well known songs such as “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, “God Only Knows” and “Sloop John B.”.
During their career, there was controversy when their publishing rights were sold for $700,000 ($5.7 million today); the catalog has generated over $100 million in royalties, none of which went to the band members. The Beach Boys have sold over 100 million units worldwide, had 36 songs in the Top-40, which is the most by an American band, four #1 songs, were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and were named #12 on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest artists of all time.
Starting in 1965, they abandoned the California sound and beach themes for more lyrical and complex themes. In 1966, they released the ambitious and innovative Pet Sounds album, considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time, named as #2 on Rolling Stone’s list of 500 greatest albums. Orchestrated by Brian Wilson, Pet Sounds was complex and utilized advanced studio techniques. It garnered several of their most well known songs such as “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, “God Only Knows” and “Sloop John B.”.
During their career, there was controversy when their publishing rights were sold for $700,000 ($5.7 million today); the catalog has generated over $100 million in royalties, none of which went to the band members. The Beach Boys have sold over 100 million units worldwide, had 36 songs in the Top-40, which is the most by an American band, four #1 songs, were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and were named #12 on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest artists of all time.
The Grateful DeadThe Grateful Dead is known as the first “jam” band, noted for long instrumental and improvisational music at live shows. They formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, CA with members Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, Phil Lesh and Bill Kreurzmann, joined by Mickey Hart in 1967. They are also known for their devoted fan base known as “Deadheads” and as pioneers of the “psychedelic” movement of the 1960’s. Their core years were 1967-1995 starting with their 1965 release The Grateful Dead. Their “Europe ‘72” tour was well received along with its future album release of the same name.
In 1973, they formed their own record label, Grateful Dead Records. Their first commercial success came in 1970 with the releases of Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, which features the chart topping song “Truckin’”. While they continued to release studio albums, their real popularity came from live shows. Unlike most bands, their performances were largely improvised, with no pre-made setlist. Their live performances featured long periods of jamming – improvised instrumental passages. They’ve played over 2,400 concerts during the course of their career, followed devotely by Deadheads, many of which followed them on tour. They are also well known for their merchandising, particularly their famous logos and tie-dyed t-shirts.
Their concerts feature a central hub of activity for buying and selling called “Shakedown Street”. Jerry Garcia died in 1995, a major blow to the band and what many thought would be the end. Over the years, there have been several spin-off bands featuring various members of The Dead, such as The Other Ones, The Dead and Dead & Company.
In 1973, they formed their own record label, Grateful Dead Records. Their first commercial success came in 1970 with the releases of Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, which features the chart topping song “Truckin’”. While they continued to release studio albums, their real popularity came from live shows. Unlike most bands, their performances were largely improvised, with no pre-made setlist. Their live performances featured long periods of jamming – improvised instrumental passages. They’ve played over 2,400 concerts during the course of their career, followed devotely by Deadheads, many of which followed them on tour. They are also well known for their merchandising, particularly their famous logos and tie-dyed t-shirts.
Their concerts feature a central hub of activity for buying and selling called “Shakedown Street”. Jerry Garcia died in 1995, a major blow to the band and what many thought would be the end. Over the years, there have been several spin-off bands featuring various members of The Dead, such as The Other Ones, The Dead and Dead & Company.
